Update: Hotham, Harrietville on fire alert

By
AISHA DOW

A STRIKE team is at Mount Hotham preparing for the possibility a fire could impact the resort this afternoon.

Update: Hotham, Harrietville on fire alert

Hotham Alpine Resort posted this photo on its Facebook page this morning: "Smoky start to the morning. CFA updates will be posted here. All limbs are crossed for a safer day than is forecast, for our friends in Hotham, Falls and Harrietville."

Hotham Alpine Resort posted this photo on its Facebook page this morning: "There's a strong strike crew ready to go at Hotham if needed."

12PM: A STRIKE team is at Mount Hotham preparing for the possibility a fire could impact the resort this afternoon.

Tom Pelly, from Mt Hotham resort management, said it was becoming quite smoky in the area and they could see helicopters working on the fire.

The CFA has issued a warning saying they expect the fire to impact on Harrietville and Hotham Heights any time within the next 24 hours.

Mr Pelly said, based on information they’d received, that scenario was entirely possible.

“But we’re pretty prepared,” he said.

“The snow making facilitates are ready to run. Protecting assets, and of course life, is the main thing.”

There are only about 50 people remaining on the mountain now, all with roles to play in a potential fire fight, including the CFA strike team and seven or eight units manned by the lift crews and resort management.

This morning organisers of the Audax Alpine Classic cycling event to be held on Sunday announced they would be re-routing all events to Mt Buffalo to avoid bushfire affected areas.

A community meeting was held at Bright this morning and another meeting is scheduled for Mount Beauty at 2pm.

Authorities say these towns are not yet considered under threat, but informing the residents was important because of the large number of people in these areas.

The fire has currently burnt about 1300 hectares, making minimal progress overnight.

The Great Alpine Road is closed between Harrietville and Hotham Heights.

Bushwalkers and other forest users are advised that the Alpine National Park east of Harrietville is closed.